Consumer TechConsumer technology is going to exist indefinitely, perhaps for as long as the human species exists. At CleanTechnica, we try to feature consumer technologies that help to reduce global warming pollution and other types of pollution. For example: electric cars, solar panels, bikes, energy efficient appliances and electronics, and green smartphone apps. Keep an eye on this category for all sorts of fun and cool, helpful consumer technology.

Princeton Review & USGBC Release 2013 Guide To 322 Green Colleges

In the fourth year that Princeton Review and the Center for Green Schools at USGBC have released “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges,” a downloadable ebook.

The review has grown as the movement toward sustainability remains a primary concern for prospective students. It appears that in addition to searching for the best education that will equip them to combat climate change, students today are also asking that their universities and colleges participate in the solution. Campus infrastructure, campus life and activities, as well as career preparation must all reflect a commitment to sustainability. And it doesn’t stop there; students are also asking that the school of their choice divest their portfolios of fossil fuel investments.

There are programs to encourage the use of bikes on campus, and some schools are encouraging their students to drive electric cars by installing multiple EV charging stations. Many schools are actively participating by adding solar arrays to their rooftops. Not only does this help with reducing rising utility costs, but it also allows students to participate in the installation process by planning for and calculating the electricity needs of the school. Students are also learning and teaching by creating zero net-energy ready homes and competing at the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013.

“Selecting a four-year college is a big choice. When we learned that the majority of prospective college students factor a school’s commitment to sustainability into their selection criteria, we wanted to ensure we were providing the best information,” said Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools at USGBC. “We’re thrilled to team up with The Princeton Review for the fourth year to offer a guide to help make our future college students’ choices a little easier.”

The Princeton Review, in collaboration with the Center for Green Schools at the US Green Building Council (USGBC), has released the fourth annual edition of its free guidebook saluting the most environmentally responsible “green colleges.”

“The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2013 Edition” profiles 320 schools in the US and two in Canada that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. The 215-page book is the only free, comprehensive, annual guide to green colleges. The guide was developed with generous support from United Technologies Corp., founding sponsor of the Center for Green Schools, and can be downloaded at centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.

“The Guide to 322 Green Colleges” Features

School profiles with information on application, admission, financial aid and sustainability initiatives, plus “Green Facts” sidebars reporting on everything from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling, and conservation programs, to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.

A glossary of 40+ green terms and acronyms from AASHE to “zero waste.”

Lists of schools in the guide with LEED-certified buildings and of those that are signatories of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.

Advice for living green on campus.

Robert Franek, Senior VP/Publisher, The Princeton Review, noted the significant interest today’s college-bound students have about green issues. “Among 9,955 college applicants who participated in our 2013 ‘College Hopes & Worries Survey,’ 62 percent said having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school,” he said. “We recommend these schools to all students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally-responsible choices, and we commend USGBC and United Technologies Corp. for their continuing support to make this unique resource available for students.”

The Princeton Review, one of the nation’s best-known education services companies, first published this one-of-a-kind resource in 2010 in collaboration with USGBC. That year, USGBC, widely known for developing the LEED green building rating system, launched the Center for Green Schools at USGBC to increase efforts to drive change in how campuses and schools are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated so that all educational facilities can enhance student learning experiences.

How Schools Were Chosen for the Book

The Princeton Review chose the schools based on a survey it conducted of hundreds of colleges across the US and in Canada in 2012 to tally its “Green Ratings” (scores from 60 to 99). The survey asked administrators more than 50 questions about their institution’s sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs. The company reported Green Ratings for 806 institutions in summer 2012. The 322 schools in this guide received scores of 83 or above in that assessment. (Note: The Princeton Review does not rank the schools in this guide 1 to 322, nor does it include their Green Rating scores in the book’s school profiles.) Information about The Princeton Review’s Green Rating methodology and its “Green Honor Roll” saluting 21 schools that received Green Ratings of 99 is at www.princetonreview.com/green.aspx

A well-rounded education includes the tools to alter one’s lifestyle. It is exciting that so many of the college campuses are offering students opportunities to learn and live sustainably.

About the Author

Amber Archangel -- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, and graphic designer, constant student of many studies and founder of 1Sun4All.com. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing, the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution.

Wind Energy

Search the IM Network

The content produced by this site is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions and comments published on this site may not be sanctioned by, and do not necessarily represent the views of Sustainable Enterprises Media, Inc., its owners, sponsors, affiliates, or subsidiaries.